On 22 July 2025, the Select Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs in the National Council of Provinces held public hearings on the Public Service Amendment Bill. Yoliswa Makhasi, Head of the Public Service Programme at the New South Institute, participated in the session with a focused submission on key provisions in the bill (her presentation is available at the link below, starting at 1:44:10).

The NSI presentation supported proposed amendments to formalise the delegation of administrative powers to heads of department. This provision aims to clarify the respective roles of political and administrative leadership within government, aligning with broader goals of public service professionalisation and improved operational accountability. The submission referenced the historical evolution of the current delegation model and the risks associated with discretionary or inconsistent implementation of administrative authority.

Makhasi also addressed the clause restricting the holding of political office by heads of department and their direct reports. The NSI view is that this measure is appropriately narrow in scope and can contribute to role clarity and improved public sector governance, provided that constitutional protections for broader political rights are maintained.

In her remarks, Makhasi noted the value of the provincial public hearings process while observing some limitations in technical participation and public understanding of the legislative content.

The Public Service Amendment Bill forms part of a wider effort to update the legislative framework for human resource governance in the state, with implications for administrative efficiency, accountability mechanisms and the future configuration of the civil service in South Africa.